Sunday, September 13, 2009

Many of the songs here are blends of K’naan’s Troubadour and assorted Fela instrumentals. K’naan’s first verse on “Got My Dream,” for instance, was extracted from “America.”

If you’re like me and are already acquainted with nearly every recording in Fela’s discography, you may not fully appreciate K’naan’s effort here. To newly converted disciples, however, The Messengers Episode 1 should serve as a competent primer on Fela’s unique Afrobeat sound. Extra cool points for the autobiographical interludes.